The Holy Qur'an is the central text to the religion of Islam, which was revealed in the form of revelations by the Prophet Muhammad. Within this belief system, Muhammad was the last of the prophets who where chosen to communicate the words of the god Allah. Therefore, the text of the Qur'an is the exact words of Allah and conveys his exact message. In the opening of the Qur'an it states: "Show us the straight way, The way of those whom Thou hast bestowed Thy Grace, Those who (portion) is not wrath, And those who go not Astray." (The Holy Qur'an, Al Fatihah 1:6). "The straight way" suggests that there is a definite path available to man towards an ideal method of living. The Prophet Muhammad's request that mankind be shown this "way" demonstrates that man is not disposed to follow this path, but instead is prone to being led "astray." Thus, this verse initiates the Qur'an by suggesting that man needs to be guided towards some greater truth. The Qur'an seeks to teach man not to solely submerge himself into the physical, material world, but instead to discover and devote oneself towards the spiritual world. Only through a pious spiritual life will man be led towards the ultimate truth, which is the glorious and merciful nature of Allah. .
The Qur'an depreciates the physical world, declaring that it is not the source of true knowing. In Al Shu'ara, the Prophet Muhammad preaches, "Do they not look at the earth-how many Noble things of all kinds We have produced therein? Verily, in this is a Sign: But most of them do not believe." (The Holy Qur'an, Al Shu'ara, 26:7). The "Noble things" represent all of the resources that Allah has bestowed upon man in the form of the natural world. In Al –Baqarah, these "Noble things" are described as "Fruits for your sustenance," illustrating how Allah has blessed mankind with the means necessary for prosperity.
